What does the term "table work" refer to in theater rehearsals?

The term "table work" in theater rehearsals refers to the detailed discussion and analysis of the script, character motivations, and blocking before physical staging begins. This phase is crucial as it allows the director and actors to delve deeply into the text, exploring themes, relationships, and the subtext of characters. By engaging in these discussions, the cast can clarify their understanding of the script and develop their characters more fully, which ultimately enhances the performance when they transition to physicality and movement.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of theater production. The physical practice of lines and movements pertains to the actual blocking and staging that occur after table work. Cue timing and performance pacing relate more to the technical aspects of the production that are refined during rehearsals and performances rather than the foundational discussions of table work. Designing stage sets and props is a distinct area of theater that involves set design, which is separate from the script analysis process that table work entails. Thus, option B captures the essence of what table work truly represents in the rehearsal process.